Job Posting: Director, Office Of Innovation And Community Engagement
Position: Director, Office of Innovation and Community Engagement
(One-Year Renewable Contract)
Department: Graduate Studies and Research
Salary: $80,000 – $90,000 per annum
Founded in 1802, Saint Mary’s University is one of Canada’s oldest and leading institutions of higher learning and has evolved into a vibrant and engaged community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni from more than 100 countries around the world. Saint Mary’s University is home to one of Canada’s leading business schools, a science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a vibrant Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.
The Office of Innovation and Community Engagement (OICE; formerly the Industry Liaison Office) works diligently to pursue initiatives for industry-sponsored research; develop value-added solutions for its research community, and create more opportunities to work collaboratively to commercialize research through technology and knowledge transfer activities with external partners. Via an existing partnership, the OICE also provides services to Mount Saint Vincent University and NSCAD University. The OICE is an important member of the Springboard Atlantic Inc. network of industry liaison and technology transfer offices in Atlantic Canada.
Reporting to the Associate Vice President Research, the Director, OICE will provide dynamic and proactive leadership and direction to effectively identify, develop and manage strategic and collaborative opportunities with partners from the private, public and research sectors. The successful candidate will navigate, deliver, and resolve issues among all stakeholder groups at both practical and strategic levels.
The Director, OICE is also responsible for providing leadership on major project initiatives, managing the universities’ intellectual property portfolio, applying university policies regarding research agreements and managing OICE operations including staff and financial reports both internally and with appropriate funding agencies i.e. ACOA, NSERC, SSHRC, NSERDT, NRC-IRAP etc.
As a member of Springboard Atlantic Inc., the Director will represent the interests of all three universities, deliver on anticipated metrics, and participate in network activities as required.
The ideal Director of the OICE will possess the following:
A Master or PhD degree in a relevant discipline, such as business, engineering or science or an acceptable combination of education, training, and experience. Experience in social innovation initiatives is an asset.
Demonstrated strong understanding of research, technology, business and marketing in leading and implementing operational processes, proposals and/or policies.
Experience identifying, developing and negotiating innovative technologies, partnerships, strategic alliances and relationships with support from private and public sectors.
Experience managing business contracts, license agreements and intelligence gathering (e.g., technology and market assessments);
Ability to work effectively with faculty, students, administration and others within the university is a must.
An innate sense of urgency and ability to initiate change in a positive and effective manner. A take charge personality.
Excellent communication skills that are effective whether working one-on-one or in large groups with researchers and external partners.
Experience marketing research activities, technologies and expertise both internally and externally
Proven experience in acquiring funding to advance research through to commercialization e.g. proof-of-concept, prototyping, etc.)
Commitment to responsiveness and the ability to build trust both within an organization and with external stakeholders.
Must have experience managing human, financial and material resources including supervision of direct reports.
Five (5) years of relevant experience.
Apply for this opportunity online by visiting www.smu.ca/employment and use our online application system through CareerBeacon. Select the position you are interested in and apply by clicking the “Apply Online Now” button. Please include the names of three professional references. No telephone calls please.
The search committee will begin to consider applications on May 23, 2014 and will continue until the position is filled.
Saint Mary’s University is committed to the principles of Employment Equity. Saint Mary’s University thanks all applicants for applying. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Saint Mary’s University promotes a scent free environment and is proud to be tobacco-free as of September 1, 2013.